CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: neni18 on May 30, 2013, 11:31:57 AM
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Hi everyone
Our cocker Tilly is 13 mths old. Ill try to explain best I can. Over the last few weeks when my son is going out ( he is 16 ) Tilly would bark excessively at the window when he was making his way towards the front door she would only stop barking ar him once he was down the path and out of sight, but over the last few days it had become worse, she has started barking at him the moment he comes down stairs dressed and ready she is following him around barking at him ( she knows he is due to leave ) but also growling at him. He sat down for a minute yesterday and Tilly just stood staring at him and growling, as soon as he stood up she began to bark excessively again at him I could see that my son was upset to see her like this with him. He left the house and again she barked till he was out of sight. She isnt like this with anyone else family, friends etc when they are leaving just my son. She is a fantastic dog, she is brilliant with both my sons, with other dogs, people etc. it's just this problem with one of my sons on leaving the house and I don't know what's causing her to be like this with him or how to approach it. Has anyone else experienced anything similar ? Thank you x
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Just out of curiosity, what is she like when he returns?
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She's happy to see him, jumping up at him, wants to be near him, she brings a toy to him to play, she's all over him really on returning.
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It sounds like she is worried about him leaving the house. Is she protective towards him?
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I think she thinks she is his mum
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Hi I am sorry to read of your problems with Tilly . It must be upsetting to see for you and experience for your son.
I notice from your previous postings Tilly has had problems with guarding food and may have a resource guarding issue that has extended to your son. Personally I would get some professional assistance for Tilly while she is still young and before this develops.
There are quiet a few threads on the forum that advise you on looking for a behaviourist that is correctly registered and uses positive methods .. There will be several in your area I'm sure if not check with your vet they should be able to assist you . Good luck and keep us updated .. :D